Day 2: Oh Christmas Tree

Day two is all about the plants of Christmas: trees, holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and wreaths. As we talk about the meaning of these symbols, keep in mind the colors of Christmas we discussed yesterday. This will help give another layer of meaning to these Christmas decorations.

Let's start with the mistletoe. First, a confession.. I had a hard time wanting to include the mistletoe in this list of symbols because at first glance it's just a pretty, semi-parasitic and poisonous plant. Not really the idea you want in your mind when speaking about symbols of Christ. However, as I researched more, I discovered the rich and beautiful symbolism and meaning behind this tiny Christmas plant.

The mistletoe cannot grow completely on it's own. It must attach itself to another plant (in most cases large trees) in order to sustain life. Because of this, many cultures believed mistletoe to be magical, because it could grow with no roots. It seemed to just be suspended miraculously on the side of the trees. While attached to the tree it was resistant to freezing, scorching, parasites, disease, etc. It was harvested and brought into homes as protection from evil spirits and sickness. Old Scandinavian warriors would not fight an enemy beneath mistletoe and so it became a symbol of peace and friendship as well. Boughs of mistletoe were hung over doorways to symbol that all were welcome in that home with goodwill and hospitality. This affection was offered at the door with a kiss under the mistletoe.

When we see mistletoe this Christmas season, let us remember that much like the mistletoe, we too must attach ourselves to another source to gain the life we want. Our source is the Savior, who offers life eternal. Never ending. He will never disconnect himself from us as long as we continue to attach ourselves to him. As we do, we take on the quality of that which we are attached to. We must become as the Savior is. We must offer peace and goodwill to all who enter our lives. As we attach ourselves to the Savior, we take His name upon us and His life source flows into and through us to bless our lives and those we come in contact with.

Next we have the Christmas wreath. Usually full of Christmas colors and Christmas plants, the wreath is full of symbolism. The shape of the wreath is the most powerful reminder in this symbol, as circles represent eternity with no beginning and no end. They call our minds to the eternal gift of life our Savior has offered to us. It also reminds us of His loving arms continually encircling those who have attached themselves to His life and His work.

"Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love"

"And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them."

The symbolism of the holly and its berries is one which again calls our minds to the agony our Savior experienced in our behalf. The sharp edges of the holly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, the cruel whips and ultimately the pointed nails used to inflict pain on our gentle, loving Savior.

"And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. (Notice the red symbolism here). And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head."

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—"

The beautiful poinsettia is simple in its symbolism. The red and the green remind us of the sacrifice offered on our behalf and the shape of the flower causes us to reflect on the star of Bethlehem. The first star which guided wise men to seek the baby born beneath that star. It was fixed and un-moving. Just as our Savior and Father in Heaven are fixed and un-moving. The Holy Ghost acts as our star of Bethlehem today. He stands as a beacon leading us to the path which will enable us to return to our Father in Heaven.

Last, but certainly not least, is the majestic Christmas tree. This is by far my favorite of the Christmas plants. The Christmas tree points our minds to heaven. The height lifts our eyes and hearts to Him who has devoted His efforts to bringing us home to His presence. As we decorate our trees and enjoy them throughout the season. We should allow ourselves to be reminded of 3 other trees which have been pivotal in the history of this world. First, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The first opposition which brought about the fall enabling us to come here and be proven whether we would do whatsoever we were commanded to do. Second, the tree used to make the cross which raised our Savior up to the ridicule and condemnation of this world. A tree which ultimately overcame the affects of the first tree and opened the pathway to the final tree. The tree of life, which the fruit thereof represents the presence and love of God. All three of these trees form the pillars of the plan of salvation and happiness.

This Christmas, may we take time to allow these beautiful symbols to take our minds back to Christ. That we may remember all He has done for us. That we may give and receive in His name and as He would. In His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

If you missed Day 1, check it out here: Day 1: The Colors of Christmas